Teeth Whitening: Risks and Rewards

To achieve a brighter, whiter smile, more people are considering teeth-whitening methods. These lift stains and improve discoloration.

Over time, teeth may darken because of tobacco use or drinking coffee, tea, or red wine regularly. The food you eat can also cause tinted teeth. Foods like blackberries and carrots tend to deposit stains on the surface of your teeth. In some cases, your medication may be to blame.

With the integrity of their smile on the line, teeth-whitening is a great solution for most people. Bright teeth can improve your smile and appearance. People associate whiter teeth with healthier life styles and self-confidence.

Bleaching does have some risks that you should discuss with your dentist. You should do this especially if you're going to bleach teeth using an at-home teeth whitening system. While dentists can't predict if you might have a bad reaction to teeth whitening procedures, discussing these risks as part of a regular exam can help you avoid poor outcomes.

The risks tied to bleaching include tooth sensitivity and damage to the roots of your teeth. Dentists may be able to help patients lessen sensitivity and recommend toothpastes for sensitive teeth. Dentists can also monitor patients for signs of root damage and treat the condition if detected promptly.

So how do you know if teeth-whitening is for you? Ask your dentist! He or she will be able to discuss your options with you to help make your smile look better than ever.